Natural Ways to Eliminate Litter Box Odor

By Stacey Brecher

Can your guests tell that you have cats, just by sniffing the air? Removing litter box odors in a chemical-free way will make your home healthier and more pleasant for you and your cat.

Natural Odor-removersFor an inexpensive and safe odor-eliminating kitty litter, make your own by using baking soda. Sprinkle a thin layer of baking soda into the box before pouring in your regular litter. Baking soda is extremely absorbent and helps eliminate not only moisture, but odors too.

White vinegar is a natural, inexpensive cleaning solution that can help you eliminate odors in the litter box. Empty all of the litter out of the box and fill the box with 1/2 inch of vinegar. Let the vinegar sit for 15 minutes. Mix some warm water into the vinegar and scrub the box, and then dump out the mixture. Rinse and dry the litter box and refill it with fresh kitty litter. The vinegar is strong and acidic, so it beats those tough odors -- without harming your cat.

Other Ways to Remove OdorsFor an easier way to reduce odors, simply use less litter in the box. Reduce the amount of litter over time if you think it will upset your cat. With less litter, you will be able to see the waste that needs to be removed; it won’t be hiding deep in the litter, where it emits odors into your home.

Another option is to replace your regular kitty litter with wood pellets. This is a natural litter that works by absorbing the liquid waste and neutralizing the odor. Wood pellets are environmentally friendly and wallet-friendly.

Finally, try replacing your litter box once a year to cut back on lingering smells.

Stacey Brecheris a freelance writer. She has contributed to Animal Fair magazine, and her blogs have previously appeared on The Dog Daily.